Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
